Dragons expect 'electric' experience

The Dragons kick off their home schedule at 2 p.m. Saturday against Tampa Bay at CenturyLink Field.

SEATTLE – Godwin Igwebuike still remembers his first trip to CenturyLink Field. At the time (2018), the safety was playing for the 49ers, so he was in Seattle to compete in a hostile environment.

But, despite the outcome of the game, a 43-16 loss in December, Igwebuike hasn’t forgotten the atmosphere fans create in the stadium on gameday.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” Igwebuike said. “I played here once before, when I was with the Niners back in ’18. That was an incredible experience. These fans are one-of-a-kind. It was a dope atmosphere. They got after it.”

So now, standing on the CenturyLink Field turf with its fresh coach of Dragons paint during the team’s walkthrough on Friday, Igwebuike was looking forward to a second chance to play at the stadium, this time as a member of the home team.

“I’m excited to relive that in a new setting with the same die-hard, rowdy fans,” he said. “I think it’s going to be really cool.”

Igwebuike isn’t the only member of the Dragons who is familiar with CenturyLink Field. BJ Daniels won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks. And, local products like Kasen Williams and Tani Tupou (currently on IR) have been able to play for their hometown team, while others like receiver Keenan Reynolds have played in preseason games.

“It’s electric,” Reynolds said. “I know we’re going to have a great turnout. The last time I was on this field it was for the last preseason game in 2019, so I’m excited to be back on the field and be an impact player for the team.”

When asked to compare what he expects to see from Dragons fans on Saturday to what he's experienced before, Reynolds didn’t hesitate.

“I have no doubt it’s going to be very live,” he said. “We may not have 67,000 people, but it’s going to be loud.”

And, for the Dragons who have yet to experience a game at CenturyLink Field, they are looking forward to experiencing what they’ve heard so much about.

“I’m excited to play in CenturyLink Field and see all the great Dragons fans pack it out and get the win,” quarterback Brandon Silvers said.